Las Vegas, Nev., might not spring to mind when you are considering an outdoor adventure, but the desert and nearby canyons offer a range of outdoor activities. If you want to counteract time spent at the casinos or the city's excellent restaurants, try a mountain biking ride. Guides ensure that you follow the trail and offer small group trips.
Getting Your Feet Wet
If you've never gone mountain biking before, you should start slow. Las Vegas Cyclery offers half day tours that include shuttles to and from the Strip, bike rental, helmet and gloves, water, and a guide. The year-round trips are either from 8 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; morning trips are usually cooler. The seven-and-a-half mile Introductory Mountain Bike tour takes you on The Mustang Trails through Black Velvet Canyon.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon has popular hiking and mountain biking trails. All Las Vegas Tours offers guided mountain biking tours along the 13-mile Red Rock Loop. You can add a five-mile uphill ride to the start of the trail. You might see wild mustangs, desert fox and big horn sheep. The guided tour includes pickup and return from the New York New York Hotel or Mirage Hotel, mountain bike, helmet, gloves and bottled water.
Summer and Fall
In summer and fall, day time temperatures can be extremely hot. Wear lightweight athletic clothes and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Apply sunblock and bring extra to reapply. Have a lip balm with sunblock. A bandanna or sweatband is useful under your helmet to absorb sweat. You should also wear sunglasses. And although water is supplied on the guided tours, you may want to bring a sports drink, like a frozen Vitamin Water, and a snack.
Winter and Spring
Winter and spring in the desert are often much cooler at night, but during the day it can still be quite warm. Have an extra layer for the start of your ride, since you might be cool. And even if you are not sweating and don't feel thirsty, be sure to hydrate.
Family Fun
Although the mountain biking companies in Las Vegas do not offer family-guided tours, you can rent bicycles for the whole family and ride on your own. Bike King Bicycle Store has children's bikes and adult bikes so the whole family can exercise together. Be sure to pick up a trail map and bring extra water when you go it alone. You might want to ride a portion of the newly completed River Mountains Loop Trail.
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